The theme of the evening was "Unity in Diversity," a reflection of the unique, multicultural community of the parish.

The evening began with a tri-lingual (English, Spanish and Vietnamese) family Mass at 5 p.m. Prayers, scripture readings and songs of praise harmoniously alternated between the three languages during Mass.

As more than 1,000 congregants departed the church, they entered the festive church plaza – adorned with lights, party tables, and dancing Vietnamese dragons.

In addition to food from around the world prepared by a variety of La Purisima parish ministry groups, six El Modena area restaurants sponsored food booths: Johnny Rebs' Southern Roadhouse, Moreno's Restaurant and Bakery, Opus Dining and Cocktails, Orange County Mining Company, Wise Guys Pizzeria and Jersey Mike's Subs. The LeVecke Family Foundation donated beverages.

A number of parish teams also competed in a crowd-pleasing chili cook-off contest. Shane Duffy and his team's "Buff Duff Chili" won the coveted Pastor's Pick Award. Dennis Rivelli and his team's "Windy City Chili" won the first place People's Choice award. Jim Yacenda and his team's "El Dia de los Muertos Chili" won the second place People's Choice and Best Themed Decorated booth awards, and Kathleen McDonald and her team's "McDonald's McChili" won third.

The evening also included silent and live auctions, and birthday tributes to Deacon Tony Bube (who turned 90) and Rev. John LeVecke (who turned 60).

"Celebrating our diversity was the vision, and the parish and community pulled together to create this event," said LeVecke, parish administrator. "We plan to hold this every year and continue to serve and enhance the unique community that is El Modena."

- Karen Lombard submitted this story on behalf of La PurÃÂ­sima Catholic Church.

Shane Duffy and his team's "Buff Duff Chiliâ€ won the coveted Pastorâ€™s Pick Award in the Chili Cook-off contest. COURTESY PHOTO
Dennis Rivelli and his team's â€œWindy City Chiliâ€ won the first place Peopleâ€™s Choice award in the Chili Cook-off contest. COURTESY PHOTO
Jim Yacenda and his team's â€œEl Dia de los Muertos Chiliâ€ won the second Place Peopleâ€™s Choice and Best Themed Decorated booth award in the Chili Cook-off contest.
Kathleen McDonald and her team's â€œMcDonaldâ€™s McChiliâ€ won third in the Chili Cook-off contest. COURTESY PHOTO
Diners enjoyed entertainment and cuisine from around the world in the church plaza. COURTESY PHOTO
A dancing Vietnamese dragon paused for children to get a closer look. COURTESY PHOTO
The Fil-Am choir got the crowd dancing with covers of popular songs from the '60s. COURTESY PHOTO
Sylvia Caigoy, Lorann Hodge, and Amanda Martinez sold sweet treats with a smile at La Purisima School's food booth. COURTESY PHOTO

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